Josifovic, de Graaff, Urban Jungle

IG O R J OS I FOV I C JUDITH DE GRAAFF

URBAN JUNGLE LIVING AND STYLING WITH PLANTS

Y THE F · B S

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DERS OF

BLOGGER

UN BAN J UNG

IG O R J OS I FOV I C JUDITH DE GRAAFF

URBAN JUNGLE

ROM TH E · F

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UR

BAN J U

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C A L LW E Y

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WITH PHOTOGRAPHS BY LINA SKUKAUSKĖ AND ILLUSTRATIONS BY SAAR MANCHE

UNDERS O

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BLOGGER

LIVING AND STYLING WITH PLANTS

CONTENTS

7 HOM

T

HOM

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E

A

Editorial

22

DIY

Growing succulents

WITH

WITH

DIY

DIY Hanging planter

Morgane & Armand

8

Marij & Evert

PLANT PORTRAITS

Cactus plants 24 Succulents 28 Aloe Vera 34

Tradescantia 120 Pilea peperomioides 124

A

HOM

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E

HOM

WITH

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128

36

Styling tips

32

WITH

Fem, San & Sezer Jeska & dean

46

Terrarium

Kokedama

150

Palms 152 Sansevieria 156

Monstera Deliciosa 60 Oxalis triangularis 64

Styling tips Styling tips

DIY

134

PLANT PORTRAITS

PLANT PORTRAITS

DIY

Botanical frame

118

PLANT PORTRAITS

Styling tips

DIY

102

160

68 T

HOM

Plants at home YOUR OWN URBAN JUNGLE

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A

57

WITH

166

Urban Jungle Bloggers in the book Our favourite shops for plant lovers 172

DIY Plant stand

86

Pepper, Michael & nahele

72

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS COLOPHON

PLANT PORTRAITS Ficus elastica 88 Calathea 92 Styling tips

96 5

176

174

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GET INSPIRED, GET INFORMED AND GET GOING ­– “URBAN JUNGLE” IS MORE THAN A COFFEE-TABLE BOOK. IT IS THE BEST AND MOST WONDERFUL WAY OF LIVING AND DWELLING. HERE‘S TO PLANTS!

EDITORIAL

OR &

H

Editorial

JUDIT

IG

Urban Jungle – Living and Styling with Plants Everything started back in 2013 with a chat between two friends in a Parisian café. Over coffee, we talked about interior styling, our love for redecorating and about plants. It was right there and then that we discovered our common passion: our love for plants.

We quickly came up with the idea of choosing a green

and tips for you! Moreover, we have invited a group of

topic each month and interpreting it through plant styl-

amazing members of our Urban Jungle Bloggers com-

ing on our blogs. After the first month we had other

munity to showcase their plant styling ideas, DIY projects

bloggers asking to join us. Over the following months

and green vignettes. But this publication is way more

even more plant enthusiasts joined, and today, three

than just an inspiring coffee-table book to flip through:

years later to be precise, the Urban Jungle Bloggers

it also includes ten plant portraits and simple plant-

community unites more than 1,200 plant enthusiasts

care tips. It is no botanical encyclopedia – it is a book

and bloggers around the globe, from all over Europe,

for everyone who wants to bring more green into their

the United States, Brazil and even New Zealand.

home, no matter whether they are a beginner or an ex-

The book “Urban Jungle” is like a long-await-

pert. We do not believe in the concept of the so-called

ed cactus flower. For three years we have been creat-

“green thumb”. We prefer to believe that anyone can

ing green living ideas with our community. We have

live with and care for plants. All you need is the right

peeked into hundreds of urban jungles all around the

information – and this book is a first step in the right

world, we have appraised unusual plant styling ideas

direction.

and we have exchanged plant care tips. The moment

has finally come to pack all of this green creativity into

and get green with your own plant styling at home.

one book. The result is in your hands right now.

“Urban Jungle” is more than just a book – it is a one-way

ticket to your own lush, dreamy urban jungle. Here’s

In “Urban Jungle” we will take you on an inspir-

ing voyage across Europe to five green homes, taking a

On this note: get inspired, get informed

to plants!

closer look at these creative people’s houseplants and chatting with them about plants, plant care and green

IGOR & JUDITH

styling ideas. Count on us: we will uncover their secrets

urbanjunglebloggers.com

7

AT HOME WITH

HOM

H

Marij & Evert

E WIT

AT

Alphen aan den Rijn / The Netherlands

Freshness near Amsterdam In the middle of the “Green Heart” of the Netherlands, close to tulip fields, greenhouses and windmills, Marij and Evert live with their two cats and 50 plants. While the surroundings of Alphen aan den Rijn may be as ordinarily Dutch as can be, this creative couple’s home is atypical and contemporary.

8

Together with their two cats, Def and Mos (not pictured), Marij and Evert live in a cosy and colourful home in the green heart of Holland.

AT HOME WITH

M

arij runs her own online shop for vintage and upcycled furniture and ceramics, and also works as a fashion stylist,

photographer and blogger, while Evert works as a visual merchandiser for a fashion brand. The couple’s sense of style can be felt

I FIND A LOT OF NICE PLANT POTS AT THRIFT

in every room: there’s not a single corner that looks dull or messy.

SHOPS. I COMBINE

And any time Marij thinks a room needs a bit of pep, she reaches for

THEM WITH NEW MODERN

paint and brush and isn’t afraid to add a graphic shape to the wall –

POTS FROM THE

in mint or palm green for example. Her latest splash is the dusty pink

GARDEN CENTRE.

wall in the dressing room, which complements the camel-coloured accessories and the deep green of the Alocasia and Euphorbia

S

triangularis so well.

EE

PA G E 9 2

Marij painted the vintage chest in a pale pink for some #plantsonpink perfection.

The linear details of the artwork are reflected by the pink line pattern on the leaves of the Maranta leuconeura erythroneura.

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A hanging Rhipsalis, a fern, succulents and a cactus are joined by some vintage friends from the African jungle.

AT HOME WITH

IT’S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD IF YOU KILL A PLANT. IT’S AN EXCUSE TO CHOOSE A NEW ONE!

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The bathroom has been turned into a lush spa retreat with ferns and two aloe vera plants.

In the attic of the house, Marij collects vintage furniture, ceramics and dinnerware that she sells online in her shop My Attic and at markets and festivals.

Contemporary ceramics stand side by side with vintage plant pots.

Under the roof, on the second floor, Marij has created a treasure trove: her attic. With a passion for vintage designs and an eye for style, she sources the best vintage ceramics and furniture at flea markets and thrift stores in Holland, Germany, Belgium and France. She

DID YOU KNOW

then upholsters the pieces of furniture with contemporary fabrics (from Febrik) and paints them in pale pink, ochre or mint. To show

that most Rhipsalis cacti droop, but

her clients and blog readers that vintage designs can add some se-

some are upright or sprawling? They add a

rious style to a contemporary home, she combines her finds with

different texture to your cactus mix.

modern objects from design shops and independent designers.

Marij cannot visit a nursery or garden centre without taking

home a new green friend. And even though their home has nearly 50 plants, it does not look like an out-of-control jungle. She dispatches the plants to every room of the home, including the bathroom. The Bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus) in there thrives with the humid air and limited amounts of sunlight. To prevent the home from looking too full-on “planty�, Marij likes to add

13

AT HOME WITH

This Phlebodium pseudoaureum, also known as Blue Star Fern, is an easy houseplant. He thrives in indirect light with good drainage, and he also likes to be misted, especially when humidity is low.

Vintage furniture mixed with a big contemporary hanging lamp, modern cups and a thrifted cactus mug.

smaller botanical details to the walls and shelves, like a vintage

COOL IDEA Creating your own plant hanger is very easy.

cactus photo, terrarium illustrations or artificial gold cacti. There’s botanical inspiration everywhere.

One of Marij’s tips is to suspend plants from the ceiling

Use some beautiful strings, ribbons or rope

in easy-to-make plant hangers: this creates a nice dynamic in the

made of fabric or natural fibres to knot your

room without taking up precious floor space. With some rope

hanger (see instructions on page 22). To make

and shells or beads, you can knot your own plant hanger (DIY

a plant hanger more personal, you can

tutorial on page 22). For the hallway she used rope and paint to

embellish it with shells that you’ve collected

create a hanging hexagonal wooden shelf which welcomes guests with

during a holiday. Before knotting the strings

a hanging ivy. And as a bonus for cat owners, this keeps the plant

together, thread the shells onto them and

out of reach of plant-destroying furry friends. Def and Mos could

then glue larger shells onto the knots.

not care less about the plants, though – they much prefer cuddles and sunbathing.

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The home office is also decorated with plants, both real and in glossy white ceramics. Vintage coffee cups are nice vessels for small cacti and succulents.

GREEN HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY FAVOURITE COLOUR. FROM PALE MINTY GREEN TO FRESH GRASS GREEN AND DEEP DARK FOREST GREEN

MARIJ & EVERT

Minimal effort, maximum style: create your own plant shelf with a plank, two leather belts and some jam jars.

The wall of the dressing room was painted in a peachy pink, which makes the deep green of the Alocasia amazonica plants pop. Illustrated terrariums by Inge from Teken-ing add a soft botanical touch to this corner.

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It looks like cactus, but it’s a succulent. This Euphorbia trigona is also known as African Milk tree because of the milky white sap that streams from the plant when cut. The latex from the plant is poisonous and can cause skin irritations.

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MARIJ & EVERT

COOL IDEA Cups, mugs and small vases can be turned into plant pots. Because you don’t want to destroy your ceramics by drilling drainage holes in the bottom, be sure to fill the bottom layer with clay drainage balls, little pebbles or some terracotta shards that will create space for excess water. Small cacti or succulents are particularly suited for this kind of container, as they like their soil to be dry in between waterings.

When shopping for new plants, Marij looks for unexpected shapes and colours, as well as graphic details and patterns that match their interior. The two big Calathea plants in the living room create a striking contrast with the pink chest. Marij also fell in love with the pink details of the Herringbone plant (Maranta tricolour), for which she

PLANTS ADD A FRESH TOUCH TO YOUR INTERIOR. IT’S SO NICE

painted an Ikea Ingefära plant pot. Decorated plant pots are a staple

TO BRING NATURE INSIDE, AND

in Marij and Evert’s home: as with their interior design, they create a

I LOVE USING PLANTS IN STYLING

mix of vintage, painted and DIY pots. After leaving Marij and Evert’s

PROJECTS FOR MY BLOG. IT

beautiful home, you can be sure of one thing: Netherland’s “Green Heart” is truly beating strong in Alphen aan den Rijn.

ADDS THAT LITTLE EXTRA TO A PHOTO.

Find out more about Marij at entermyattic.com

Cacti in vintage hat plant pot and in a specked teacup and saucer.

A vintage typewriter and secretary dress up the corner next to the daybed where Def loves to sleep (he shares with guests).

19

With plants on different floors of the house, Marij has several watering cans at hand to make plant watering an easy chore.

MARIJ & EVERT

PER

TIPS

5 QUESTIONS

T

EX

For Marij

1

Living with plants – is this a lifestyle choice or the

because they were so trendy. Fortunately, this green

natural way of life in your home?

trend is here to stay and I don’t think it will disappear

For me it’s not a conscious choice. This way of life grew

anytime soon.

over the years, and I started enjoying having plants at

4

home more and more. I cannot imagine our home without them anymore. I like to place a group of plants in every room, and we actually do have some green in

I have one fairly big Euphorbia which was one of my

first plants, so he’s been with us for quite a while. This

every room.

2

Do you have a favourite plant at home? If so, why?

makes him extra special. Unfortunately, he doesn’t really grow. I wouldn’t mind if he became big and tall.

How would you describe the style of your home?

5

I would describe my interior as a mix of eclectic,

Scandinavian design, vintage, graphic elements and prints, fresh pastels and a hint of boho. I don’t know

How do you care for your plants?

Quite naturally, I try to water my plants regularly. To

make watering all our plants more easy and efficient, I

if you could put a label on my style – I follow my gut

have a watering can at hand on both floors. I’ve learned

feeling and when I like something, I combine it with

that every plant needs a different kind of care, and I usu-

the things I already have. This creates an exciting mix,

ally just touch the soil to find out if it needs water. Also,

I think. I also love colour. At the moment my favourites

I regularly remove old leaves, because they deplete the

are ochre yellow, minty green and pale pink, combined

plant’s energy.

with lots of white. My vintage finds really pop against this colour palette. And of course, there’s always a huge amount of green!

3

You have a beautiful collection of plants at home.

Styling Tip

How did it grow over time?

When I’m looking for new plants, I mainly look at

Combine plants with different shapes, sizes

shapes and structures. Every time I am surprised by what

and structures: this intensifies the effect. A beautiful

nature has designed. The leaves of some plants have

mix of different kinds of plant pots, like vintage,

beautiful lines that look just like prints. I regularly dis-

retro and more contemporary ones,

cover new kinds of plants that I have never seen before –

also works really well. If you use one colour

there’s a lot of innovation in the plants on offer at shops.

palette for all your planters, it creates

My plant collection has grown over the years. I started

a sense of unity.

with a cactus, because they are so easy to care for and

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DO IT YOURSELF

HANGING PLANTERS E ve n i f you d on ’ t h ave a ny s p ac e le f t on you r sh elve s or t h e w i n d o w s i l l , t h e r e ’ s a l w a y s r o o m fo r a h a n g i n g p l a n t . Yo u c a n hang it from the ceiling, a wall or a window or doorknob that isn’t used on a daily basis.

Regular plant pots, like terracotta pots, work very well for macramé hangers.

But salad bowls that are round on the bottom also look good.

DO IT YOURSELF

D

UR

SELF Tie all eight lengths together with a small tie cut

Fold them in the middle and tie them all together

from the same fabric yarn, or make one large final

in one knot, keeping a little loop. You should now

knot with all the strings. Pull each string individually

have eight strings to work with. For the next step,

to ensure that the knot is as tight as possible. Use

it helps if you attach the loop to a nail in the wall

scissors to trim the strings to your desired length.

or to a doorknob.

You can add beads or ribbons for added style and texture.

Divide the strings in four groups of two. Tie a simple knot in each pair at 40 cm below the main

For this tutorial we used an old cotton T-shirt to

loop knot. You will have four knots that line up

create fabric yarn. One T-shirt is enough for one

horizontally. Make sure each knot is tight.

plant hanger. Lay your T-shirt flat on a table and cut off the sleeves with a pair of scissors. Then

Take one string from two adjacent knotted pairs,

start at the bottom and cut all around the T-shirt in

and tie them together in a knot about 8–10 cm

a spiral, with a width of 15–20 mm. Continue until

below the previous knot. Repeat this until all of

you reach the sleeves. You now have one very, very

the bundles are tied together. This creates a zig-

long thread. You will see that the fabric curls up

zag pattern among the strings.

nicely when you gently pull it.

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T O I YO

Start with four 3-metre lengths of fabric yarn.

ANT P

your friend’s. Or maybe you even have some cacti yourself. Of course there’s a reason why cactus plants enjoy such popularity: they are easy to care for (not maintenancefree, though!) and come in all kinds of colours and shapes: hairy, columnar, with “bunny ears” or cushiony.

T

around the corner, on the table in your favourite café, on the windowsill at

I

Together with succulents, cactus plants seem to be everywhere: in that hip boutique

TRA

Cactus plants

OR

PL

CACTUS PLANTS

Small decorated cups and vases are perfect for Echeveria succulents and a mini cactus.

Go wild! Here, plant pots and a glass dome are mixed and matched, and a String of Pearls plant grows from a drawer.

D

on’t be fooled into thinking that a cactus is a cactus just because it has spines. There are many species of succulents

with spines that aren’t in the Cactaceae family, such as some Euphorbias and Agaves. Also, some cacti – like most Lophophoras, for example – don’t have spines at all. All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti.

What defines true cacti are areoles. Areoles are what

CACTI ARE REAL EYE-CATCHERS IN SMALL GROUPS OR COMBINED WITH

spines, glochids (barbed spines), branches and flowers sprout from,

OTHER HOUSE PLANTS AS

and all cacti have them, while succulents other than cacti do not.

A PLANTGANG.

Areoles are not hard to find: they usually look like small, fluffy, cotton-like bumps on the body of the cactus.

Many people envision cactus plants growing in Sahara

Desert sands with practically no water, but that’s a misconception.

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T H E M U S T- H AV E BO O K FO R P L A N T L O V E R S A N D A N YO N E P U R S U I N G A G R E E N L I F E DISCOVER GREEN HOMES, STYLING IDEAS AND PLANT CA R E T I P S - A L L PAC K E D I N T O O N E I N S P I R I N G BO O K I D E A S FO R P L A N T E N T H U S I A S T S, P L A N T N E W B I E S A N D A N YO N E W H O WA N T S MORE GREEN IN THEIR HOMES »Urban Jungle« is a book packed with green inspiration, plant styling ideas and handy plant information for anyone who wants to bring more greens into their homes and daily lives. This book will take you on an inspirational voyage through green homes across Europe show­­casing how beautiful, individual, creative and sometimes even

»ADD STYLE AND

arty green living can be. Moreover, this book offers a plethora of

NATURE TO YOUR HOME

easy-to-copy plant styling ideas for your home presented by a fine

WITH YOUR OWN

selection of international Urban Jungle Bloggers. Additional plant profiles and simple plant care tips will further strengthen your desire to add a new green friend to your home immediately. Lean back and buckle up for a fantastic green journey!

URBAN JUNGLE«